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The 2024 semi-finalist survived a monumental scare to move into the second round of the world darts championship on the opening weekend.

Bunting, who reached losing semi-finalist last year, was pushed all the way to a dramatic fifth leg by Polish qualifier Sebastian Bialecki before finally clinching a 3-2 victory at Alexandra Palace.

A Turbulent Encounter

Bunting began in blistering fashion, averaging an incredible 119.4 as he powered through the opening set. The win appeared certain after landing a spectacular 160 finish to claim the second set.

Nevertheless, ‘The Bullet’ cooled off, and he won just one leg over the next two sets. This let Bialecki – who remained unfazed even when a wasp landed on his shoulder – to pull back. Bunting regained his composure in the decider, but was still taken to the wire before securing it 4-2.

“Performing at this venue you go through all the feelings,” Bunting told broadcasters. “I knew Sebastian was going to be difficult and even at 2-0 he kept fighting. I am fortunate to get away with that one.”

Kumar Creates Landmark Victory

Bunting's next opponent will be Nitin Kumar, who created a landmark by becoming the pioneering Indian at the championship. He defeated the Netherlands' Richard Veenstra 3-2 in a closely-fought match.

The veteran player, who had lost in all four of his prior first-round matches, suggested this breakthrough could have “opened the floodgates to a billion potential” darts players from India.

“I’m lost for words right now. I’m overwhelmed, I’m delighted,” Kumar expressed. “With belief, anything is achievable. This vision motivated me ever since I saw Dennis Priestley win the World Championship.”

He added with a light-hearted prediction: “I’m sorry, a decade down the line if you have multiple players in the world championship walking on to Bollywood music, don’t blame me.”

Further First-Round Action

• Darren Beveridge: The Scottish debutant made an impressive start, averaging 91.62 in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Belgium's Dimitri Van den Bergh, who won just one leg.
• Jonny Tata: Another first-timer, from New Zealand, dashed the hopes of world No. 27 Ritchie Edhouse with a clear 3-0 victory.
• Dom Taylor: The fellow newcomer beat Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak by the identical 3-0 margin.
• Joe Cullen: The world No. 32 was in excellent touch as he comfortably defeated Bradley Brooks 3-0.
• Wesley Plaisier: The Dutch player beat Germany’s Lukas Wenig 3-1.
• James Hurrell: Concluded the evening's play with a 3-1 victory over America’s Stowe Buntz.